BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

OTTAWA - The Senators could be in for a long, hot summer trying to sign defenceman Erik Karlsson.

Craig Oster, Karlsson’s agent, confirmed by e-mail late Monday there haven’t been any formal talks between the two sides and none are planned at this juncture.

No, this shouldn’t come as any surprise as the season ended less than two weeks ago. The club’s scouting staff is focused on the coming weekend when the group gathers in Ottawa to rate players for next month’s NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh.

But with Karlsson, 21, set to become a restricted free agent July 1, it’s in the best interests of the Senators to try to get a deal done quickly so GM Bryan Murray can get on with the rest of his summer.

However, some league executives and agents contacted by the Ottawa Sun in the last couple of days predict there’s not going to be anything fast about these talks unless the Senators immediately fork over $7 million per season.

“People in Ottawa should be prepared for this to take until training camp,” said one league executive requesting anonymity. “It could happen if both sides decide to dig in their heels on this one.

“The one thing you do know: It’s going to get done and Erik Karlsson isn’t going to go anywhere. Both sides will try to use their leverage. There will be pressure points but sooner or later he’s going to sign.”

Karlsson likely isn’t in any hurry, either. After a 78-point campaign (including 19 goals), he might be best to put off talks until he finds out next month in Las Vegas whether he’s won the Norris Trophy.

Coming off an entry-level deal that paid him $1.3 million last season, Karlsson will be seeking a dramatic raise into the $6.5 to $7 million range. A league executive said Ottawa would want a deal around $5 million.

Karlsson’s camp is going to point at the eight-year, $56 million deal signed by Los Angeles blueliner Drew Doughty after he missed training camp. The deal was negotiated by Oster’s agency — Newport Sports.

“You’d have to think that Karlsson’s comparables will start and finish with Drew Doughty,” said one agent.

The two sides may disagree on the numbers initially, but that doesn’t mean the negotiations won’t be amicable. Murray has done several deals with Newport’s top agent — Don Meehan — over the years.

“It’s going to be business. That’s all it is,” said another executive. “At the end of the day, you manage your cap by looking at comparables and paying the right amount of money. You’ve got to find players worth the money.”

Earlier this month, owner Eugene Melnyk told reporters he wants Karlsson to be reasonable in his demands. With money comes the pressure of producing and Karlsson is going to be expected perform next season.

“The problem I have with these types of contracts is the player becomes a banker,” said the executive. “You don’t have the same player anymore. They’re buying cars and houses because they’re set for life.

“It’s a different player. That’s the problem with these players getting that money at such an early age. They haven’t paid dues. I get it age 27 or 28, those guys have battled for contracts. These guys are so young given that kind of money. Some can handle it and some can’t.”

Karlsson doesn’t have rights to arbitration, which means he’ll get his $827,000 qualifying offer on June 25. At that point, negotiations can really begin.